It was his smile.
Gorgeous. Familiar. Unchanged.
A quiet breath left me before I could stop it, and despite everything pressing in around me, I found myself smiling back.
He’s here.
Saturday came too soon.
So soon, in fact, that I barely had time to prepare—myself or Luca—for what we were walking into. Between calls and meetings, there had been no space to think, let alone figure out how to tell him.
Now I was wandering through his apartment, waiting for him to get ready, bracing for something I couldn’t quite name. Not that it had to be anything. I was probably making more of it than I should—at least where Luca was concerned.
“I still haven’t been able to get that appointment,” Luca called from his bedroom.
My eyes lifted from my phone. “Hm?”
“Casa Aurelio. I tried to get one to see the new collection, and they said they are too busy to schedule anything for the next couple of weeks. Have you heard anything?”
I stared at the half-open door, the words taking a second to land.
Luca walked out a moment later, a small, smug smile already in place. “You have no idea what I am talking about.”
It wasn’t a question. My best answer was my most charming smile.
Luca rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “I told you on Monday that I was looking for an appointment, and you said…” He waved a hand in the air, waiting for me to pick up the thread.
“That I knew someone and would make it work,” I finished, my memory finally catching up. I’d completely forgotten. “I’m sorry. I’ve been distracted.”
The thump of keys hitting the bottom of his bag echoed through the room as he started gathering his things. “It’s okay, Ash. Just don’t forget.” He stepped closer, looking like he’d walked straight out of an ad, and stopped in front of me, giving me a once-over. “I like that shirt.”
His palm slid up the fabric, and I placed my hand over his, holding it there.
“I wish you would change your mind about being photographed,” Luca said. “We have a great concept for linen suits. You would look incredible.”
I stiffened. “I’m sure you’ll find someone who fits that role perfectly,” I said, keeping my tone even.
Luca tilted his head, studying me. “That is another no?”
I smiled tightly and gave a small nod. After a beat, I added, “About this lunch…”
“Yes?” His hazel eyes stayed on my shirt, his other hand coming up, thumb brushing over the buttons. “Do you want to come back here after?” His tongue dragged slowly across his lower lip, the shift in his expression making his intentions unmistakable.
I let out a quiet, strained breath.
Luca closed his eyes, his head tipping back, already knowing what I was about to say, but still pressing close enough for his chest to brush against mine.
“You have work,” he said, tiredly.
“I do. You know I do. And it’s just for this?—”
He lifted a hand, cutting me off. “I get it. I just thought I could cancel on Carla and we could have fun.” His gaze flicked over me again, deliberate this time. “It’s been a while.”
I pressed my lips together. “I know.”
He leaned in, brushing a quick kiss against my mouth before stepping away, already moving toward the counter. “I’ll stop by your office next week. We’ll figure out if there are any gaps in your schedule.”
“Sounds like a plan.” I slipped my hands into my pockets. “Luc, about this lunch…”
